The Caregiver

"Nine, Ten , Do it Again." A book for those with OCD and their families.

We're constantly searching the world for excellent books which may not be readily available through your usual outlets. We're very pleased to present Kathryn I'Anson's most recent book on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Rather than describing the book, the author has allowed us to place the chapter on caregiving those with OCD on our site. I'm sure you'll agree it is written in the clear and straightforward style of a person familiar with OCD who does not have to constantly fall back on technical terms to provide the help and understanding the book offers.

This book is now available through Amazon. Click on the title to order.

Highly Recommended: Nine, Ten , Do it Again: A Guide to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An excellent clearly written book for both those with OCD and the families of those living with it.
Kathryn I'Anson. $12.00

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
• 'Life Begins at 47! A Sufferer's Story
• What Causes OCD?
• Assessment of OCD
• Treatment of OCD
• Self-Help Strategies
• For Families and Carers
• Other Books Which Will Help

The following section is based on extracts from: Nine, Ten , Do it Again: A Guide to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 2nd edition, 1997. 91 pages

From the Cover: The author, Kathryn I'Anson is the Director of the Obsessive Compulsive & Anxiety Disorders Foundations of Victoria (Australia) . The material has been reproduced by kind permission of the author. The British and Australian term for "support person" is "carer".

This is one of the most informative and easy to read books I have come across on OCD. The author's style is such that you feel she is talking to you on a one to one basis explaining OCD both from the feelings of the sufferer and from those of the caregiver.

Extract from the Chapter for the Family and other Support People

Helping the Carer

If you are a spouse, sibling, mother, father, child or friend of a person who has OCD, then it is quite possible that you have been suffering too. Carers of people with OCD have to deal with many emotions that arise as a consequence of living with and caring for a sufferer. You are likely to feel worried, frustrated and confused, and sometimes despairing. These difficult feelings arise from the impact of the OCD on your relationship and environment and because it is so hard to see someone close to you either battling or in despair over thoughts and behaviours that seem to make to sense. Maybe insidious guilt thoughts creep into your mind. "Is it my fault?", "What have I done wrong?", Should I have loved and cared for him/her more?" Maybe you feel angry and confused - simply can't understand how it is possible that this person, who seems quite rations in all other respects, just can't stop these ridiculous behaviours. Have you secretly wondered, "Is it attention seeking, laziness, naughtiness?'" On top of all these conflicting feelings, there is the feeling of helplessness you just don't know what to do.

The Following ideas and strategies may help:

Do not condemn yourself for having negative feelings. They are natural reactions to a difficult and confusing illness. You cannot be expected to understand behaviours and emotions which you have not experienced yourself - at least initially. You will develop greater understanding if you spend time reading relevant material and listening to your family member and other sufferers at support groups. However, negative feelings will continue to arise - occasionally or often, and self-condemnation and guilt over these feelings will only make them more difficult to let go. Accept your feelings, and actively find a way of releasing them on a daily basis - for example, talk them through with a friend, cry, go for a long walk or drive, do an activity such as gardening, painting or craft which enables the creative expression of feeling.

Obtain support and care for yourself.

Maybe you have a great circle of family and friends who provide an empathic listening ear and practical help when you need it. If not, you might consider joining your local OCD Support Group where you will find some people to care for you, and you can talk to and learn from other carers who have been in similar situations. If your own state of mental and emotional health is suffering, it may be helpful for you to see a therapist. This will be a positive act of affirmation that your health and needs are important, and will put you in a better position to help the sufferer effectively.